Diastolic Potential
Low-amplitude electrical activity recorded during diastole, often indicating slow conduction through arrhythmogenic substrate.
Full Definition
Diastolic potentials are low-amplitude electrical signals recorded during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle, typically between ventricular activations during ventricular tachycardia. These signals represent slow conduction through areas of diseased myocardium or scar tissue and are important markers of arrhythmogenic substrate. Diastolic potentials can span the entire diastolic interval in some cases, indicating very slow conduction through the reentrant circuit. Identification and mapping of these potentials guides ablation strategy, as sites with diastolic activity often represent critical components of the reentrant pathway. The presence of diastolic potentials helps distinguish reentrant from automatic mechanisms.
Usage
Usage note: Use singular 'potential' when referring to a specific signal, plural 'potentials' for multiple recordings.
In Context
- "Diastolic potentials spanning 60% of the VT cycle length were recorded at the successful ablation site." — Ablation report
- "The presence of diastolic potentials confirmed slow conduction through the isthmus." — Mapping study